• Photo courtesy: Zamboanga City Government / Roselyn Bunot

The Zamboanga City Health Office has confirmed the detection of five suspected cases of monkeypox (Mpox).

According to the office, the cases were identified through routine surveillance efforts as of May 28, 2025.

Laboratory tests are currently pending to determine whether the cases are confirmed Mpox infections.

In response, the city has mobilized its contact tracing teams to monitor potential exposures.

City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite called on the public to stay alert but reassured residents that the situation is under control.

A statement posted on the city government’s official Facebook page quoted Dr. Miravite as saying that Zamboanga is ready “to act swiftly and effectively should the situation escalate.”

According to the post, the City Health Officer emphasized the importance of practicing basic hygiene, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and immediately reporting suspected cases to health authorities. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, or body aches are advised to self-isolate and seek medical attention for a proper assessment. Extra precautions are recommended for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

In a separate development, a resident of Nabunturan in Davao de Oro is currently in isolation after being suspected of having Mpox.

The provincial government of Davao de Oro also confirmed a previously recorded Mpox case in Maco, where the patient has since recovered. An additional suspected case has likewise been reported.